Big Game Hunting Press Releases and Blogs

2018 deer, elk harvests similar to 2017; above 10-year averages except mule deer

Friday, February 15, 2019 - 11:20 AM MST

Hunters took more mule deer and fewer white-tailed deer in 2018 compared to 2017, while the elk harvest was similar between the two years -- dropping by less than 2 percent from 2017 to 2018.

The 2018 elk harvest was about 15.4 percent above the 10-year average, and the overall deer harvest was less than 1 percent below the 10-year average.

Game cameras provide new methods for counting and managing wildlife

Wednesday, February 6, 2019 - 4:11 PM MST

An innovative approach using trail cameras to capture wildlife allows Idaho Fish and Game biologists to estimate deer and elk populations in a safer, less-invasive, and less-expensive way.

Idaho’s 2019 & 2020 big game season proposals available online

Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - 2:24 PM MST

Controlled hunt application period for black bear closes on Feb. 15

Friday, February 1, 2019 - 1:41 PM MST

Hunters have until Feb. 18 to comment on updated management plan for mountain goats

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 - 4:31 PM MST

The Mountain Goat Management Plan is a proposed document that guides the department in managing populations and habitat statewide, and establishes specific strategies for each of Idaho’s 19 distinct populations of mountain goats.

One strange day for a mule deer provides months of data for F&G biologists

Monday, January 28, 2019 - 3:18 PM MST

Fawn survival is key to maintaining mule deer populations. Fawns fitted with radio collars help determine if a herd is growing or decreasing, so they are a critical component in the formula biologists use to determine the health and population of mule deer herds across Idaho. 

Hunters can provide input for the 2019-20 big game seasons at February open houses

Tuesday, January 22, 2019 - 1:00 PM MST

Southwest Region will host four meetings in February to take input on big game seasons

Friday, January 18, 2019 - 1:24 PM MST

Controlled hunt application periods for spring black bear opens Jan. 15, spring turkey Feb. 1

Thursday, January 10, 2019 - 7:54 PM MST

Helicopter crews take flight for Panhandle elk study

Monday, January 7, 2019 - 3:35 PM MST

F&G Commission votes to continue general hunts for Sawtooth Elk Zone in 2019

Wednesday, November 14, 2018 - 1:49 PM MST

It's not too late to fill out your 2018 hunter reports

Friday, October 26, 2018 - 2:55 PM MDT

You can submit your harvest reports online or by calling (877) 268-9365. The phone option is available 24 hours per day and seven days per week. Please have your hunting tag number when calling.

Respect and courtesy are essential when hunting private land

Friday, October 26, 2018 - 2:36 PM MDT

Most hunters satisfied with whitetail management, but surveys show division

Friday, October 26, 2018 - 11:54 AM MDT

Check stations show mix of success for deer/elk hunters for Oct. 20-21 weekend

Wednesday, October 24, 2018 - 12:01 PM MDT

While its difficult to judge how the hunting season is going based on one weekend of check stations, there are some interesting details about the hunting season so far.

Clearwater region check stations show opening weekend success

Monday, October 15, 2018 - 6:10 PM MDT

Opening weekend hunter numbers were comparable to past years at the South Fork Clearwater check station near Mount Idaho. A total of 169 hunters visited the check station, compared to last season’s opening weekend visitation of 124 hunters. In 2016, check station hunter numbers were 176 on the first weekend of the season.

Southwest Region Check Station Summary

Monday, October 15, 2018 - 3:49 PM MDT

2018 nonresident/second whitetail tags now sold out

Monday, October 15, 2018 - 1:34 PM MDT

Fish and Game has sold all its nonresident/second deer and elk tags. Nonresidents who want to ensure they get a general deer or elk tag for next year can start buying 2019 tags on Dec. 1.

Hunters are reminded to stop at check stations

Thursday, October 11, 2018 - 10:58 AM MDT

Hunting seasons are here, and soon hunters will see Fish and Game check stations throughout the state. Remember that all hunters must stop at Fish and Game check stations, regardless of whether they’ve harvested game. 

Oct. 10 is new opener for wolf trapping in some units

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 - 11:12 AM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game Commission in August extended hunting and trapping seasons for wolves in many units for fall/winter hunts.